***
{Outside The Projection}
"The Sultan seems to have always had talent in combat."
"Was this the 'hidden skill' the Former Sultan mentioned?"
"Sure looks like it."
"But I think it's tied to something bigger than just skill."
"Maybe. Or maybe it's just that—skill—but not the full scope of it."
"He hasn't shown us everything, that's for sure."
"True. But what if it's more about his understanding speed?"
"Mhm. The fact that he activated Ember's Touch on his first try says a lot."
"Even with a Grimoire guiding him, that's unheard of."
"Even our most talented youngsters, the ones raised in cultivation, haven't achieved that."
Though the projection didn't pause, skipping to the next day, the crowd continued to converse between themselves.
It was clear that their earlier tense mood had been relieved—slightly.
